(a) whether a number of old age persons in the country are living in poverty due to lack
of regular source of income and savings;
(b) if so, the number of such old age persons in the country at present;
(c) the details of the welfare schemes implemented by the Government for the welfare
of these old age persons; and
(d) the efforts being made by the Government to provide better standard of living for
old age persons a sustainable basis?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI MUKULV WASNIK)
(a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to parts (a) to (d) in repfy to Lok Sabha Starred Question No.323 for answer
on 19.04.2010 regarding `Welfare Schemes for Older Persons` by:
Prof. (Dr.) Ranjan Prasad Yadav and Shri J.M. Aaron Rashid
(a) to (d): As per Census 2001, the total number of Senior Citizens (60+) in the country was 7.7 crore.
Several Programes are being implemented to safeguard the interests of and to provide facilities to senior
citizens which are as follows:
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 was enacted in December 2007 under which
maintenance of parents/ senior citizens by children/ relatives has been made obligatory and justiciable. The
Act also provides inter-alia, for revocation of transfer of property by senior citizens in case of negligence
by relatives, and penal provision for abandonment of senior citizens.
Under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) implemented by the Ministry of Rural
Development, central assistance is given to States for giving pension to persons above 65 years, living
below the poverty line, @ Rs. 200/- per month, which is meant to be supplemented by at least an equal
contribution by the States so that each beneficiary gets at least Rs.400/- per month as pension. Centra)
assistance was given in 2009-10 for 1.63 crore beneficiaries under this Scheme.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Scheme of Integrated Programme for Older
Persons (IPOP) with a view to improve the quality of life of senior citizens by providing basic amenities
like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities etc. Under the Scheme, financial assistance
is provided to non-governmental organizations for running and maintenance of old age homes, day care centres,
mobile medicare units, etc. for senior citizens.
As per recommendation of the Sixth Pay Commission, additional pension to older persons is being provided
as per details given below:
Age Group of Persons % of additional pension
80+ 20
85+ 30
90+ 40
95+ 50
100+ 100